MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. (SMC), through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF), seeks to expand further its urban farming project to three additional sites annually as part of its efforts to boost food security and support livelihoods in low-income communities.
SMC said its Backyard Bukid project, which originally started in its head office complex in Mandaluyong, is now available to six sites nationwide. The six existing sites are in SMC’s head office complex in Mandaluyong; Cavite; Tondo, Manila; Pili, Camarines Sur; Hagonoy, Davao Del Sur and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
The program, the conglomerate noted, began as a way to help its utility, maintenance and security staff grow their own food and earn additional income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initial 750-square-meter farm has since evolved into a multi-site model combining organic farming, skills training and community enterprise, the company said.
The project now covers a total of 3,300 square meters and involves over 120 active volunteers, composed of SMC workers, third-party personnel and residents from surrounding barangays.
“We wanted to provide more than just livelihood. We wanted to give our people a sense of purpose and ownership. That small patch of land gave us proof that the model could grow,” SMC chairman and CEO Ramon Ang said.
Participants of the urban farming project undergo a three-month intensive training program provided by SEED Philippines. The training covers organic farming methods including composting, seedling production, natural pest control and biopesticide formulation.
Since the program’s inception, the farms have produced over 3,000 kilos of vegetables, which are sold at up to 50 percent below retail prices, SMC said.
“Proceeds are managed by each farming group, with 80 percent distributed as cash benefits to members and 20 percent allocated for farm maintenance and reinvestment,” SMC said.
SMC said volunteers may also harvest produce for personal use by coordinating with farm managers. Some have already replicated the model in their homes, while others now serve as mentors to new participants, SMC added.
“SMF aims to expand the program further, targeting three new farm sites per year, particularly in areas near its facilities,” it said.
Backyard Bukid is part of SMC’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives, which also include river rehabilitation, livelihood support and environmental conservation, the company said.
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